At 11:30pm on October 11, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. This is the story of what happened behind the scenes in the 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live.
The Producers is a dark comedy about a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer who schemes to make a fortune by intentionally producing a sure-fire flop. He recruits a neurotic accountant to help him with the scam, and together they find the worst script, worst director, and worst actors to ensure failure. However, their plan hilariously backfires when the intentionally terrible musical becomes a surprising hit.
In The Producers, a group of producers attempts to put on a Broadway musical but intentionally create a flop in order to scam investors. However, their plan backfires when the show becomes a hit. With an eccentric cast of characters and a mix of slapstick comedy and musical numbers, the producers must navigate chaotic auditions, financial troubles, and the consequences of their scheme. Set in New York City during World War II, this comedy explores themes of success, friendship, and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals.
In House of Wax, a sculptor uses wax figures to cover up his murders and seeks revenge on those who wronged him. Set in a wax museum, the film is a proto-slasher that combines elements of horror and crime genres.
Tony, a male dancer, struggles to make it on Broadway while dealing with personal and professional challenges in 1980s Manhattan.
A con man tries to swindle an older woman by pretending to be the manager of a famous opera singer. Chaos ensues as the Marx Brothers create havoc backstage and on stage, culminating in a hilarious performance.
French Cancan is a musical comedy set in the 19th century in Paris. It tells the story of a nightclub owner who falls in love with a young dancer and tries to revive the traditional French cancan dance.
Set in 1942, during the German occupation of France, The Last Metro follows the story of a theater owner and his theater group as they try to continue their work under the watchful eyes of Nazi soldiers. The owner's wife, who is Jewish, has gone into hiding and he tries his best to keep the theater running and protect his wife. The group faces numerous challenges, including curfews, surprise inspections, and the constant threat of being discovered by the Gestapo. As tensions rise, personal and professional relationships are tested, leading to a dramatic climax on opening night.
Girl Play is a romantic comedy based on a true story. It follows the journey of two women who, after meeting in a mountain cabin, start flirting and eventually fall in love. The movie explores the challenges they face in their troubled marriages, their coming out experiences, and their journey towards self-acceptance and happiness. With humorous moments and heartfelt conversations, Girl Play tells the story of a lesbian relationship that transcends societal expectations.
Opening Night follows a troubled theater actress as she becomes increasingly unhinged during a play rehearsal. The story explores themes of artistic creation, obsession, and spirituality. The actress's journey is marked by encounters with an obsessed fan, a spiritualist, and a man who confesses his love to her. As the rehearsal progresses, the woman's mental state deteriorates, leading to a climax involving a bloody nose, a ouija board, and a violent confrontation backstage. Set in the world of theater, the film showcases the intense emotions and complex dynamics that can arise in the pursuit of artistic excellence.
Kiss Me Kate follows the story of a divorced duo of stage actors who find themselves entangled in a romantic and professional mess while performing a musical version of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. As tensions rise and old feelings resurface, the pair must navigate through backstage drama and comedic mishaps to deliver a successful show.
After spending time in jail for a crime he didn't commit, Henry plans to rob a bank with the help of a new partner and a secret tunnel. The heist takes place during the opening night of a theater performance, adding chaos to the plan.
In 1937 New York, a high school student named Richard Samuels wins a small role in Orson Welles' famous Mercury Theatre production of Julius Caesar, directed by Welles himself.
Tony Hunter, a washed-up Hollywood star, is hoping to revive his career by starring in a new Broadway musical. With the help of a talented choreographer and a talented ballerina, Tony embarks on a journey to success, facing challenges and experiencing the ups and downs of the creative process.
A single mother living in a Manhattan apartment with her daughter struggles to balance her aspiring acting career while dealing with family abandonment. Things take a turn when a struggling actor becomes their new roommate, leading to unexpected romance and a series of comedic and dramatic events.
Topsy-Turvy is a creative and comedic exploration of the partnership between composer Arthur Sullivan and playwright W.S. Gilbert, as they face creative differences, backstage drama, and the challenges of bringing a comic opera to the stage. Set in 1880s London, the film captures the struggles and triumphs of the theater world and the historical events that shaped the era.
Till the Clouds Roll By (1946) follows the life of a successful songwriter, showcasing his journey from a struggling musician to a renowned figure in the music industry. The film covers various aspects of his life, including his relationships, career achievements, and personal struggles. With a mix of drama, musical performances, and colorful characters, Till the Clouds Roll By takes viewers on a captivating journey through the world of music during the early twentieth century.
In the midst of the Great Depression, a young chorus girl named Peggy Sawyer gets a chance to audition for a new Broadway musical. She must navigate through the challenges of show business, including rivalry, deception, and financial problems, in order to succeed and fulfill her dreams.
Stage Door follows a group of aspiring actresses who share a boarding house in New York City. They navigate the challenges of the theatrical world, trying to make a name for themselves while dealing with backstage drama, auditions, and the pressures of the industry. The story explores the ambitions, friendships, rivalries, and dreams of these young women as they strive to achieve success on the stage.
Conan O'Brien embarks on a comedy tour across America after losing his job as the host of The Tonight Show. The film captures Conan's journey as he deals with the aftermath of his departure and explores the world of comedy outside of late-night television.